Abide in Me

I have a fig tree in my backyard. A couple of months ago it was without leaves and branches. I cut it back every fall. If I don’t, it will grow too big. It is by the side of our house and I try to keep it under control.

Yesterday I was relaxing in the backyard and observed that the tree was starting to get full of small branches and leaves. I thought to myself that as I am observing this fig tree, it is growing!

It continues to grow moment by moment and day by day. I cannot see it grow, but if I look at it week by week and month by month, it shows signs of growth.

In a few month time there will appear small hard green figs. It will take a few months for them to grow ripe. If the squirrels don’t get to them all, there will be figs to eat!

My point is that the branches being connected to the trunk will produce fruit. It will be slow and gradual. It is the same for us in our spiritual growth.

If we remain connected to Jesus and “abide” in him, we may not see growth right away, but there will be growth! Eventually, fruit (of the Spirit) will appear and come into maturity.

The pathway of Jesus in following him will lead to a fruitful life! It will be slow, long and gradual. The good news is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, God will bring about fruit.

Jesus, as the master teacher, showed us the way into God’s abundant life in His kingdom. He wants all of his apprentices (followers) to learn how to enter in kingdom living.

As an apprentice myself, I am learning how to lean better into the lifestyle of Jesus. As a community of God’s kingdom, we can all learn and grow together.

As I shared last Sunday, the availability of the kingdom is for all. The way into life in the kingdom is also for all. The only way to experience this new life is through Jesus Christ.

We can all walk together on this path which will continue for all eternity!

Pastor Fred